Article February 28, 2000 Issue

Rub-a-dub-dub

By Donald R. Rippberger

When my preteen son got involved in racing Sea Shells (eight-foot, one-man sailboats that are very sensitive and easily capsized), I began participating as well. In fact, the parents were encouraged to form their own racing groups—perhaps to keep them from being critical of the kids!

The parents were divided into two groups: A (expert) and B (novice). As a novice who had never sailed before, I applied spiritual concepts while learning the skills and regulations of sailing. I found the description of wind given in Science and Health a constant guide: "That which indicates the might of omnipotence and the movements of God's spiritual government, encompassing all things" (p. 597). With this definition in mind, I discovered that the stronger the wind, the more exhilarating the race.